This September, Swami Ramakrishnanada Puri visited South America for the 20th time. Swami travelled to Peru, Chile and Brazil as part of his tour, spreading Amma’s message of love and compassion everywhere he went. In each city that Swami visited, large crowds filled every hall. It was incredibly inspiring to see the devotion and enthusiasm of those that attended.

The tour began in Lima, Peru with an Integrated Amrita Meditation (IAM) course. Swami inaugurated the class of over 100 people and reminded them what an incredible gift Amma was offering the world with this technique. Over the next several hours more than 400 people participated in a Homa, satsang, bhajans and mediation.

From Peru, Swami travelled to Chile and programs were held in the cities of Santiago and Viña del Mar. In both cities Pujas were held for world peace and many familiar faces were in attendance eager to listen to Swami’s satsang. In his talk, Swami reminded everyone that, “If we do not prepare our mind well before we perform our action, it will be difficult to accept the result of the action if it is a negative result. So it is easier to prepare our mind before performing an action, than preparing our mind after performing the action. To put in a different way, it is difficult to prepare our mind after getting the result.”

In Brazil Swami visited Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro. The lively Brazilian spirit was present in all of Swami’s programs where big crowds enthusiastically participated in every part of his program. Everywhere Swami went in Brazil, everyone was asking the same question “When is Amma coming back to Brazil?” Of course, only Amma can answer that question, but Swami reminded everyone if they sincerely tune in to Amma she is already here with them.

Amma hoisted the National flag, celebrating India’s 72nd Independence day at Amritapuri. As Amma unfurled the tricolour flag, the military force did a ceremonial salute. Amma stood in the rain while saluting the flag, praying during the National Anthem.

Many people and children could be seen standing with tri-colour flags and celebrating India’s Independence day with Amma. Amma also gave away sweets to the soldiers.

Many people performed VavuBali -oblations to the ancestors – at Amritapuri Ashram today. Hundreds of people including many westerners participated in the one-hour long ceremony. Remembering their forefathers each one paid their tributes, followed a ritual which was well instructed by the brahmacharis. Pitru Yagna is a part of the Pancha Maha Yagna’s prescribed by the Vedic tradition.

The Vishu celebration was carried out with great enthusiasm all around the ashram. There were separate Vishukkani* arranged in the Kalari, near Amma’s house, and on the stage of the bhajan’s hall. Along with Vishukkani, saplings and plant seeds were also kept on the altar. Each devotee who came for darshan received a packet of seeds along with the typical Prasad. Devotees also received blessed saplings, along with a rupee coin, which serves as a Vishukkai neettam** on the holiday.

Prior to Darshan, Amma sang a set of Krishna bhajans, and addressed the audience, saying: “Like the cheerful blooms of the golden April laburnums (Konna), Vishu is a celebration that fills our hearts with joy. Vishu is a symbol of prosperity and abundance. Vishu brings us the message of an ancient agrarian culture that existed in harmony with nature. Over and above that, Vishu also brings us the message of devotion, surrender to God, and equal vision.

“We start the Vishu day thinking of God. The message here is that every day should begin with the remembrance of God. When we begin a day with a positive thought its motivation remains with us throughout the day. This is why the image of God should reflect internally in our mental mirror as the first thought of the day. Keeping a mirror as part of the Vishu kani symbolizes our effort to look within and wipe away the blemishes from our mind. Awakening the remembrance of God within is also to clean our mind of its impurities.

“If God-remembrance does not awaken internally, it may be good to practice this externally by waking up to see the image of God or our Guru with our physical eyes every morning. Then take a resolve to maintain that remembrance in our daily actions. Pray that we gain a mind that does not harm anyone with our thought, word, or sight.”

Amma giving seed packets along with prasad

Devotees were also served a feast replete with payasam. Ashram residents presented tabla performances and dance programs as part of the celebrations.

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* Vishukkani – meaning that which is seen first on the day of Vishu. The altar is arranged with a statute Lord Krishna along with the yellow Cucumber, Mangoes, Jackfruits, all available vegetables, halved coconuts with oil lamp inside, and ‘Konna’ flowers. A starched ironed cloth made into a hand fan, kept inside ‘Kindi’, is decorated with gold ornaments, and a mirror is also kept in the front of as part of the arrangements. All these are kept in a ‘uruli’ (a brass vessel) which is filled with polished rice.

** Vishukkai neettam – the elders in the family have to gift all the younger members with money, usually in the form of newly minted coins. Here Amma has introduced a sapling along with it, encouraging the younger generations to care for nature, calling it – Vishuthai neettam.

Straight from Amma’s 64th birthday celebrations, Swami Ramakrishnanda Puri travelled halfway around the world to bring Amma’s love to her children in South America.

Swami’s tour began in Santiago, Chile, where 10 years earlier Amma made her first visit to South America. Even though Amma visited only once, more than a decade ago, Swami’s annual visits provide sweet reminders to all those who had the good fortune to have Amma’s darshan when she was in their midst; and for those who have yet to meet Amma, Swami’s programs provided an enlightening and entertaining introduction to Amma’s teachings. Sharing from his almost 40 years of experience of living alongside Amma, Swami inspired the packed halls both days of his programs in Santiago before moving on to Viña Del Mar, Chile.

In Viña Del Mar, Swami’s program took place in a movie theater in the center of town. The program began with a full house, most for the first time, watching an introduction film on Amma. All were transfixed on the big screen, normally used to show images of imaginary heroes, but tonight they were being shown real one. After Swami’s talk the crowd enthusiastically, clapped and sang along to all the bhajans, and ended the program showing their appreciation to Swami with a long ovation.

From Chile, Swami travelled on to Lima, Peru, where a Homa was performed during the evening program. Although most were participating in the ceremony for the first time, the crowd of more than 500 people patiently waited to offer their prayers for peace and prosperity into the sacred fire. In addition to Swami’s program, an IAM meditation course was held and attended by over 100 people.

After Peru, Swami concluded his tour in Brazil, where he visited the cities of Rio De Janeiro, Araruama and Sao Paolo. Brazil being the other country Amma has visited, the crowds were large and lively everywhere Swami held programs, with lots of familiar faces. During his talks, Swami humorously highlighted the importance of having the right attitude to accept the circumstances in life we cannot change and to make efforts and strive to change the things we can. When Swami spoke about the later, collectively there was a single thought shared by everyone in attendance…’what efforts can they make to get Amma to return to their continent?’ Swami concluded his talk by pointing out that through these efforts we can attract grace and through that grace, we can achieve our goals. May the goal of all of Amma’s South American children be fulfilled and may she soon return to bless them.

Diwali celebrations in Amritapuri
Diwali was celebrated throughout Amritapuri in many ways. In the morning, as Amma made her way to the stage for the day’s darshan, she was welcomed by a group of Amma’s children from Tamil Nadu, dressed in beautiful attire and holding diyas (lamps) in their hands. They chanted hymns of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. That night, when the day’s darshan was complete, another set of children, this time from North India, lined Amma’s path, dressed in their own traditional attire and each holding a diya in their hands. Near Amma’s residence, the soldiers stationed at the ashram also got to celebrate Diwali with Amma. Amma lit the lamp with them and then and sparklers, taking her sparkler and drawing playful patterns in the air, cheering Mata Rani Ki Jai and Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Before returning to her room, Amma distributed sweets to the soldiers. There were rangolis in front of Amma’s room. Small and beautiful diyas decorated Amma’s steps.

The next day, Diwali was celebrated in grand style. The staff of Amrita University and devotees stood in line to receive Amma onto the stage when Amma came for morning darshan. In the evening, at the end, while Amma was still giving darshan, the hall was cleared and filled with beautiful oil lamps. Brahmacharis chanted Sri Sukta and Vedic mantras. Amma sang two bhajans of Sri Rama, as Diwali is also the remembrance of the return of Sri Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years, gaining victory over the demon Ravana. “Deepavali (Diwali) is a celebration, a reminder – reminding us, by lighting the lamp of goodness to remove the darkness of wickedness within. Like the people of Ayodhya welcomed Sri Rama, Diwali is a reminder to invoke the divine within our heart,” Amma reflected, imbuing the two days of celebrations with deep meaning and inspiration for all who participated, and for Amma’s children all over the world, whose hearts were there in spirit.

This is the first time in the last two decades that Amma was in Amritapuri for the Deepavali celebrations.

The first day of the Navaratri festival (Nine nights worshiping of Durga) this year was on September 21st.

On that day, both at Amritapuri’s Kali Temple and the Kalari, beautiful and colorful ‘Golu’ dolls were being displayed with lights. Special homas and pujas were also conducted in the morning and evening in both locations by Brahmacharinis of the Ashram. For each of the following 9 days and nights, pujas and prayers were conducted.

On the 27th evening, special Navaratri performances were offered by Amrita University students in the main hall in front of Amma, as she was giving darshan. AYUDH Amritapuri decided to celebrate Sep 27th as Universal Motherhood day.

On the 28th, at 5pm, as Amma was giving darshan in the main hall, she called for everyone to bring their study books and instruments to keep it next to the altar on the stage to receive Saraswati’s blessings over the next 3 days. Amma then sang a bhajan and conducted a brief ceremony with mantras while everyone offered flower petals.

The 10th day of Navaratri is the Vijaya Dasami day. For the occasion, Amma led prayers and chanting to bless the books and musical instruments that had been placed near the altar by the devotees to invoke Saraswati’s blessings.

Speaking on the occasion, Amma asked everyone to maintain a childlike attitude, as essential for a successful life. Then she guided all in Aksharabhyasa – initiation into the world of alphabets with the mantra “Om Hari Sri Ganapataye Namah”.

Thousands had gathered to celebrate the blessed day in Amma’s presence, filling the main hall. Each one traced the mantra, signifying the beginning of a new phase in their life. After the mass initiation, Amma took personally initiated many small children – each about three years of age — taking them one by one onto her lap and tracing the mantra with them.

Later in the day, after having taken their first tabla lesson, 80 of Amma’s brahmacharinis and 20 brahmacharis offered her a group musical tabla performance, as she was giving darshan. The senior students also presented a Nadapuja with tabla to the divine. Throughout the day, one could see people practicing or starting new lessons in their regular study materials or music or art forms. Amma’s teaching, and the principle of Vijayadasami – to always remain a beginner – permeated the very air.

The day’s festivities began with the Go Puja, the traditional cow worship. This ceremony is done on this day because Sri Krishna was a cowherd in his youth. At the head of a procession, the Ashram cows made their way to the front of the ashram where the special puja was performed.

The afternoon saw the Shobayatra – a lively and beautiful procession including many dressed as Sri Krishna, Radha, as well as gopis and gopas – the procession included participants from all over the world.

When the procession reached the Ashram, it congregated around the Uriyadi games, wherein children attempt to break a pot which is suspended in the air, expertly pulled just out of reach until a particularly nimble child is able to break it. This game was played by Sri Krishna in his youth, and is replayed every year at Amritapuri to the joy and delight of all.

Amma joined in the festivities, observing the Uriyadi games, surrounded by countless little Krishnas and Radhas, including some very little ones who sat on Amma’s lap. During the games, a recording of Swami Avadhutendra singing Hare Rama, Hare Krishna was played. At the close of uriyadi, Amma sang ‘Radhe Govinda, Gopi Gopala; Chitta chorana Krishna; and Krishna Krishna Radha krishna..’ All were singing and swaying in time with the lilting bhajan.

Later, Amma sang many songs to Sri Krishna during the evening bhajans. Then, after the traditional reading of the Srimad Bhagavatam, as the clock struck midnight, amidst arati and the reverberations of gongs and drums, the moment of Sri Krishna’s birth was commemorated, and it was as if he was being born again in that very moment in the hearts of the assembled devotees.

Amma sang the triumphant bhajan announcing Sri Krishna’s birth ‘Agatanay agatanay vishnu devan..” and then gave her Sri Krishna Janmashti address, saying, “Each one of us is actually born into the darkness of a prison—the prison of ignorance and karmic bonds. We are born crying, live crying and die crying. However, Krishna was born with a smile, lived with a smile, and was smiling even when he cast off his mortal frame. Krishna was able to do this because he always saw the unchanging true face of Eternity behind the ever-changing masks of impermanence. Thus, when we are able to realise the Krishna-hood that is our true nature, we will likewise be able to look death in the face, thumb our nose at it and laugh.” {read more}

After her message, Amma sang, ‘Madhava gopala mana mohana gopala,’ and danced along with the devotees. Finally, Amma led all in a for a prayer for world peace and distributed prasad.

All went to bed with minds full of Sri Krishna, and with hearts full of gratitude for the blessing of being able to live in Amma’s presence, every moment of their lives drenched in love, just as the gopis and gopas lived with Sri Krishna.

For the last ten days, as per the tradition of the Onam harvest festival, the entire state of Kerala has been ordained with lush, beautiful flower mandalas.

At Amritapuri, each day the floral decoration in front of Amma’s room was unique. Each day, the beautiful arrangement depicted a different scene from the life of Sri Krishna. Each one seemed more beautiful than the last, and yet in truth, none could be said to be the most beautiful – each day, in that moment, that mandala was the most beautiful, and the love with which it had been arranged shone through and lent it that much more beauty and luster.

Traditionally, one spends the final day of Onam at home with the family. But every year, countless families choose to spend the day with their spiritual family and the mother they all share at Amma’s Ashram. That morning, Amma gave a Satsang and led all in meditation and prayers for world peace to all those who had gathered to celebrate Onam with Amma. “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is the Indian concept that the whole world is one family. The celebration of Onam is closely aligned with this truth. The earth and the sky, the flowers, birds and animals—all of Nature come together as one family and participates in this celebration.” {read more from Amma’s Onam message}

Then, Amma led all the assembled devotees in blissful dance to the tune of ti thi tara th thi tai…

After giving a brief darshan for those who would not otherwise have a chance to receive her embrace, Amma began serving the traditional OnaSadya feast to one and all. Finally, she fed Lakshmi, the ashram elephant.

The ashramites played tug-of-war to the amusement of all. First with two groups of brahmacharis battling each other, then Amma called on the “Aachans” (elderly male devotees) to do the same and finally the brahmacharinis. Amma enjoyed the show along with all those assembled.

In the evening, Amma led bhajans which were followed by beautiful, entertaining and uplifting cultural programs, including many dances and skits, including riveting classical dance and a heartwarming play by the littlest residents of Amritapuri.

The program concluded only at 1:00 am that night. All went to bed with joy in their hearts, having been blessed to spend Onam with Amma and all their spiritual brothers and sisters in a celebration of unity and love.

After the Ganesha Chaturthi ceremony {news}, the beautiful, ornate clay idol of Ganesha was placed at the Kalari where special pujas were held every day. Every evening, devotees sang bhajans fervently to Lord Ganesha. After nine days, as per tradition, the Ganesha idol was taken to be immersed in the ocean.

Lakshmi, the ashram elephant, led the procession. The idol was carried towards the main hall, the procession singing bhajans all the way. One could see people of all ages and nationalities join the procession, each with an orange ribbon around their heads, dancing to the tune of the music and drums.

When the procession reached the darshan hall, Amma stopped darshan for a moment to greet Lakshmi as she reached the stage.

With the chants of “Ganapati Bappa Morayya,” the procession continued its way to the beach. (Moraya Gosavi was an ardent devotee of Lord Ganesha from the state of Maharashtra. This chant reminds the chanter and listener of the inseparable relations between the Lord and the devotee.)

Finally, the idol was carried to the edge of the pier where it was immersed in the ocean, to be dissolved back into formless clay. One of the most beautiful aspects of the celebration is that, despite the sheer beauty of the Ganesha idol and the love and care with which it was crafted, it is offered into the ocean with joy and celebration rather than sorrow or regret. This reminds us that every object in this world is temporary and it will perish one day. So, without clinging to them, be attached to the Creator.
This ritual is designed to remind us of the universal truth that all objects with name and form are a manifestation of the formless principle or that One Truth.